§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans the Government have to publish(a) recommendations made by the forestry review group and (b) a Government decision as regards the future of the Forestry Commission before 9 June.
§ Sir Hector MonroMy right hon. Friend plans to make an announcement during the summer about our conclusions from the review and to publish a document which would form the basis of consultation on our preferred options. There are no plans to publish any further material arising from the forestry review group.
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§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on measures currently being undertaken by the Forestry Commission for the preservation of butterflies.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 6 May 1994]: The Forestry Commission undertakes a wide range of practical forest management work to protect and enhance the value of its woodlands for wildlife; this includes widening forest rides, creating glades and open spaces, and managing coppice to make suitable butterfly habitats. Examples of specific projects include work to encourage the re-introduction of the Chequered Skipper into England, creation of a butterfly garden in Chambers wood in Lincolnshire and a butterfly reserve in Coed Allt Fedw in Ceredigion, ride management in Sandlings forest in Suffolk to provide a habitat for Silver-studded Blue butterflies, protection of mire habitat in Kielder forest in Northumberland to encourage the large Heath butterfly and the removal of conifers in South Scotland to protect the Green Hairstreak and Scotch Argus. In addition, the commission manages several sites of special scientific interest which are particularly important for butterflies.
The commission also encourages private owners to establish and manage woodlands in a way which will benefit all types of wildlife, including butterflies. The commission has published guidance to woodland managers on how to enhance forest rides for the benefit of butterflies and the plants which support them.